We're just friends...or are we.? |[ carlando]|

" reassurance... " - 50

~the last race of the season is here. I am not well. 😭

——

Carlos's gaze was fixed on the clouds outside the airplane window, his thoughts far away. His leg bounced uncontrollably, a steady rhythm that betrayed his nerves.

This was it—his last weekend with Ferrari. Every "last" weighed heavy on his chest: his last practice, his last qualifying, his last time walking through the paddock in red. He tried to focus, to steady himself, but the thoughts kept rushing in. 

Lando, seated beside him, had been playing with Abby for most of the flight. He knew Carlos didn't want to talk yet, so he left him to his thoughts. But now, as Abby curled up and dozed off, Lando's attention turned fully to Carlos. 

Carlos didn't notice the hand Lando gently placed on his. His brown eyes remained fixed ahead, lost in thought. Lando frowned. He hated seeing Carlos like this. He leaned in a little closer.

- "Carlos?"

he asked softly, his voice laced with concern. 

It took a moment, but Carlos finally snapped out of his trance, his head turning toward Lando. His expression softened as he let out a long sigh.

- "Lo siento," (I'm sorry,)

he said quietly, his voice heavy.

- "I've been distant, haven't I? It's just... I can't believe this is my last race with Ferrari. I don't know how to let go." 

Lando's expression softened, and he shook his head.

- "You don't need to apologize, Carlos. I get it. This is huge. Ferrari is... Ferrari. It's iconic, and you've been such an important part of the team. It's okay to feel like this." 

Carlos leaned back in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck.

- "It's not just leaving Ferrari,"

he admitted.

- "It's what's next. Williams is a different challenge, Lando. I'll be fighting for points, not wins or podiums. What if..."

He trailed off, struggling to put his fears into words. 

Lando interrupted him gently.

- "What if you're the one to bring Williams back to the top?" 

Carlos blinked, taken aback. 

- "You've done it before,"

Lando continued, his voice full of conviction.

- "You helped McLaren come back into the fight. You made Ferrari contenders again. You can do the same for Williams. It might take time, but if anyone can do it, it's you. I believe in you." 

Carlos stared at him, his chest tightening.

- "You really think that?" 

Lando smiled.

- "Of course, I do. And no matter what happens this weekend—even though Ferrari and McLaren are battling for the Constructors' Championship—I'll be rooting for you. I hope you win. Charles too, maybe P2. And Oscar and I can take P4 and P5."

He smirked.

- "Just don't get too confident, okay?" 

Carlos chuckled, the tension easing slightly.

- "Noted,"

he said, a small smile playing on his lips. 

Before Lando could react, Carlos reached out and pulled him onto his lap. Lando let out a surprised laugh.